Which plane divided the body in anterior and posterior?

Appeared in: AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Explanation

The frontal plane is a vertical plane that divides the body or an organ into anterior (front) and posterior (back) portions.
It is also referred to as the coronal plane, a term derived from the coronal suture of the skull, which is oriented in this plane.
As shown in the image, this plane runs from side to side, creating a front and a back section.

Option B: The sagittal plane divides the body vertically into right and left sides, not anterior and posterior.
Option C: A parasagittal plane is a specific type of sagittal plane. It runs parallel to the midline but divides the body into unequal left and right portions.
Option D: The transverse plane is a horizontal plane that divides the body into superior (upper) and inferior (lower) parts.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Anatomical Body Planes as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
Understanding anatomical planes is fundamental for interpreting medical imaging like CT scans and MRIs, which are presented as 'slices' in the coronal, sagittal, or transverse (axial) planes.
Nurses use this terminology for precise documentation of wounds, pain location, and physical assessment findings (e.g., 'a laceration on the anterior thigh').
Surgical procedures are planned and described with reference to these planes to ensure precision and clear communication among the surgical team.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the keywords in the question: 'divides the body', 'anterior', and 'posterior'.
Recall the definitions of the main anatomical planes. 'Anterior' means front, and 'posterior' means back.
Use the provided image to visualize how each plane cuts through the body.
The Frontal (Coronal) plane is the only vertical plane that separates the front from the back.
The Sagittal plane separates left from right.
The Transverse plane separates top from bottom.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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E6 Anatomy Applied Ashalatha 4e p. 45-47

E6 Anatomy Grays 43e Vol 1 Part 1 p. 21-23

Practise the full AIIMS Rishikesh & Jodhpur NO - 2017

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.